Rep. June Speakman

Maddy summaryThis bill designates April 2026 as "Community Development Month" in Rhode Island to honor the work of local nonprofit organizations. It specifically recognizes the Housing Network of Rhode Island and its member groups for their efforts in creating affordable housing and supporting community services like childcare and job training. The resolution does not change any laws or allocate funds but serves as a formal proclamation to acknowledge these organizations' contributions to the state's economy and housing stock. The Secretary of State is instructed to send a copy of this resolution to the Executive Director of the Housing Network of Rhode Island.

Maddy summaryHB 7675 establishes a $2-per-ton surcharge on solid waste disposal (paid by waste haulers and landfill operators) to fund composting initiatives. The revenue flows into a dedicated "Compost Fund," which supports three grant programs: competitive grants for composting projects, municipal waste diversion grants (available only to towns that opt-in), and infrastructure development. The bill directly affects waste disposal entities and municipalities, aiming to reduce landfill use by incentivizing organic waste diversion. Key provisions include quarterly surcharge collection starting in 2027, annual adjustments tied to inflation or a 20% increase, and requiring funds to stay within the Compost Fund rather than returning to the general state budget.

Maddy summaryHB 7877 establishes mandatory energy and water efficiency standards for specific commercial appliances and equipment purchased or installed after January 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses like restaurants, hotels, and offices that buy or install equipment such as commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens, steam cookers, servers, fans, faucets, and gas fireplaces. The bill requires these products to meet minimum efficiency levels defined in the law, aligning with federal standards for certain items. These standards aim to reduce energy and water consumption in commercial settings without specifying enforcement details or expected environmental outcomes.

Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

Creates an emergency action plan related to the operation of warming and cooling centers during periods of extreme weather and establishes a statewide notification system with the National Weather Service initiating warming/cooling center alerts.

Maddy summaryHB 7982 establishes a new performance audit division within the Office of the Auditor General. This division will conduct regular audits to assess how effectively state agencies are using public funds and delivering services. The bill directly affects state agencies by requiring them to undergo these performance reviews, aiming to improve government efficiency and accountability.

Requires the public utilities commission to provide for a classification of service for retail electricity consumers that are large energy use facilities.

Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes Roger Williams University's School of Law, School of Justice Studies, and Extension School for their contributions to legal and justice-related fields in Rhode Island. It commemorates the date of April 2, 2026, as RWU Law and Justice Day, highlighting the university's programs that provide education and training to students and residents. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send a certified copy of the document to the university to complete the official recognition.

Creates an 12-member commission to study the impact on family and school performance in relation to current disciplinary policies in public schools, and would report back by November 17, 2027, and would expire on February 17, 2028.